streamlined arms

Hi,

Well a lot has gone on this week, and it's time for an update.
First of all, last Sunday was Beta's birthday, and Easter. We were flush with visitors and many flowers, too, for much of the weekend.
This week we had a follow up with our orthopedic surgeon Dr. Hall, a pleasant stout 40 something with a humorous demeanor. His delivery is easing and I imagine he has dealt with enough trauma cases to know that people just want the facts, plain and simple. This is what he gave us, and amply showed the post-op xrays, which cryptically show all the metal parts with white hot precision.
When they cut off her casts, Beta nearly queased right out. Even (or especially) as a jeweller, the sight of metal sticking out of her skin at odd angles, and a 3" line of metal staples down her inner wrist. Maybe could inspire a new fashion line ? Or not.
I so wish I could have taken a picture of those staples. What I must post, though is a picture of the new streamlined casts which she will sport for the next month. They are a funky blue, weigh much less and they give her more mobility in the fingers than the clunky clubs she was originally wearing. On May 20, we have an appointment to get those off, and at that point they will pull the pins straight out of the bones - a supposedly painless maneuver.
On top of a physician followup, we were also able to meet the insurance adjuster (the same day), which proved to be an emotionally draining experience as he grilled over every detail of the accident and pulled details from seemingly every angle of Beta's life. I can't imagine how this must feel for the really tragic cases.
Also we have visited a naturopath, who Beta became the client of in a strange reversal of fate. Just 2 days before the accident the aforementioned practitioner had actually contacted Beta on a referral for jewellery (wedding bands), but at the moment her services are more useful to Beta. This proved to be a very informative and inspiring meeting, and if anyone is interested in naturopathic medicine, we will be happy to refer you. This woman knows her stuff and has a masters degree in medicine to boot.
As I write this, I am in Thunder Bay, fulfilling a two night commitment I had with my band. It seemed that we have had enough of a window of recuperation and a chance to commit some troops on the home help front to pull this off. Plus, we has gots to earn some cash here at some point ! Thanks to the 'troopers' who have come to help this weekend.
A word of warning: Stella has begun teething on numbers 7 and 8 (bottom), which has kept her (and us) waking up an extra amount of times this week. We are a little stressed, especially Silvija , who bless her heart has volunteered to sleep upstairs while I look after Beta's nighttime needs, and prepare nighttime remedies for our nocturnally active children. Kaspar has also developed a raspy cough which, though not contagious, contributes heavily to our interrupted sleeps.
We are all a little tired and stressed at home. No kidding this is to be expected.
But nevertheless things are looking up. And I remind myself constantly how much this is all a secret blessing to us in that I get to spend so many hours a day with my beautiful wife ! This is great remedy for any modern busy couple. I get to rediscover and enjoy her charming personality, and when could I or would I have ever really made that time?
This week we will apply for a childcare subsidy. Sure hope it works out !!! We and the kids would really appreciate it.

much love,
Steve